Revenge Of The Jilted Bride

Jilted Bride 12

Chapter 12

After breakfast, Liam took a black suit jacket from the coat rack and held it open. Kenneth stood, spreading his arms as he slipped into it, adjusting the collar and cuffs with his usual crisp precision. The old housekeeper, Lisa Palmer, reached for the matching tie, ready to help him with it.

But Kenneth's eyes shifted to Ophelia. "You do it

Ophelia blinked, startled. "Me? I don't know how

And she really didn't. Growing up in the slums, no one ever taught her how to tie a tie.

Til teach you once, Kenneth said, placing the tie in her hands. He gently took her soft, petite hands in his, guiding them as he lowered his head so she could reach. The tie looped around his neck, and together they fumbled through the motions.

With the height difference between them, Ophelia had to crane her neck to look up at him. She was so focused, her brows slightly furrowed in concentration, that Kenneth's thoughts started drifting, Watching her like this, he felt an overwhelming urge to take her on the spot. He figured if he didn't pull himself together and stop staring, he wouldn't make it out of the house today,

Once it was finished. Kenneth's expression slipped back into his usual cold, detached mask. He settled into his wheelchair, ready to leave. But just as he was about to roll away, Ophelia called out. "Wait,"

She dashed upstairs in a flurry of excitement, her heels clicking against the polished floor. Moments later, she returned, dressed in a fresh outfit that mirrored her determination.

She recalled Kenneth's words from the night before that every outfit should be shown to him first.

Clad in a light brown polo shirt paired with a short skirt, her long hair elegantly pinned up with a pearl clip, she exuded a cool, composed confidence that belied her twenty years. There was an air of sophistication about her that was decidedly unchildlike, more akin to a seasoned professional.

Tm going out in this today," she said with a smile. I thought I'd show you first."

Kenneth's ga

gaze faltered, his heart skipping a beat. He watched her with an intensity that deepened with every second. "She remembered what I said. She actually cares.

kiss wasn't like the ones before, full of raw possession. This time, it was tender, filled with a delicate longing. His lips moved against hers

the shift in him, and

against hers. His voice was low and husky as he teased. "Little one, are you

softly, "You're the one seducing me. I'm just returning

slowly ebbing away Then,

of the moment, Ophelia found herself

Ophelia.... no, Mrs. Ophelia, you have a call" she said with a warm smile as she handed

the speaker. "Ophelia, have you lost your mind? How dare you lay a hand on Emily at the gala? You

shouting was so loud that it was like the phone itself

an eyebrow, her thoughts racing. I laid a hand on Emily? Since when? Could it be

Chipset th

being tossed into that

pause. Last night, she'd hada sneaking suspicion about the whole thing. And now, this call seemed to confirm it. Smiling to herself, Ophelia

Hastings Villa, Emily saw the video leak first thing in the

some small outlets still managed to release footage from the event. As the news

she's as venomous as a stake, I never should've brought her back into the family. She's only ever brought shame to us, the caring daughter I raised myself This whole situation can be dealt with pretty easily, Harry suggested, leaning back casually. "The video doesn't show any faces, so if Sungate Entertainment issues a statement denying the rumors and pins the blame on some scapegoat, it'll all blow over soon enough." Ophelia had just walked into the room in time to catch Harry's last words. 'A scapegoat?" she thought, instantly piecing things

its contents-rich, freshly brewed coffee made from the finest beans-splattering across the floor. Some of the shards grazed her ankle, and bright red

back like

Emily chimed in, her voice pitiful and her eyes wide, brimming with fake tears.

then pointed at Ophelia, her tone sharp and commanding "You. Clear Emily's name right now. Tell everyone that it was you who

present. If Owen isn't here, then this whole trip would be a waste of time, she

path. "Elia, do you even realize what a scandal could do to our family's reputation? The company's stock could plummet. Dad's on a

trip? Ophelia arched an eyebrow, her expression incredulous. "Have you all forgotten, or are your memories just that short? I've already

Harry started, but couldn't finish, clearly rattled by her

looking so innocent

was about to be slapped, but quickly straightened herself. 'Go ahead, hit me, she thought. 'It'll just make them hate her even